Forestry Technician

United States Forest Service • Adin, CA

448d • $39,437 - $39,437

About The Position

The Forestry Technician position is a temporary role within the USDA Forest Service, primarily focused on wildland fire management. The technician serves as a senior firefighter on various crews, including handcrews and helitack crews, and is responsible for fire suppression activities, equipment maintenance, and supporting fire-related operations. This role requires physical fitness and the ability to work in remote locations, often under challenging conditions.

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must pass the appropriate level of the Work Capacity Test for Wildland Firefighters.
• Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
• Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290).
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations and undergo medical screening for arduous duty wildland firefighting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in operating specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.
• Previous experience in wildland firefighting or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior firefighter on a handcrew and fire engine.
• Perform duties of a fully qualified faller, saw repair technician, or certified in the use of long line.
• Assist in starting pump engines, priming pumps, and laying hoses for effective water use.
• Load helicopter cargo and complete manifests for personnel and equipment transport.
• Suppress fires by moving dirt, chopping brush, and felling small trees using hand tools and power saws.
• Conduct structure protection operations in urban interfaces and remote settings.
• Lead a squad of 3-5 firefighters in suppression duties and training new employees.
• Inventory fuel beds, prepare reports, and monitor burning conditions when not on fire suppression duties.
• Perform project work such as cleaning recreational facilities and trail maintenance.
• Mark trees for timber harvesting and check seedling survival.

Benefits

• Access to a comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry
• Education Level: High school or GED